About 1,814 child labourers, most employed in hazardous occupations in the city, have been identified by Pratham, a nonprofit organisation that works for child rights and education.

The data was released to police across all wards on Wednesday – observed as World Day Against Child Labour
– in order to begin rescue work, according to Farida Lambay, co-founder, Pratham. The organisation has estimated that the city has around 7,000 child labourers.

The data showed that 1,372 children under the age of 14 are currently employed in hazardous occupations such as the leather and zari industry, and in hotels.

According to the Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986, children under the age of 14 can only be employed in nonhazardous occupations.

Pratham collected ward-wise data over two months and found the highest number of under-14 child labourers (448) between wards A and E, mostly employed in the leather industry near Nagpada and Madanpura.

About 188 children were found working in Dharavi, while 169 were identified between Bandra and Borivli.

The data also revealed that 60% of child labourers were in the organised sector, while 40% fell in the unorganised sector.

Varsha Gaikwad, state minister for women and child development, was present at the event and said her department will work with the labour and home departments to rescue these children.